title: Near-infrared laser delivery of nanoparticles to developing embryos: a study of efficacy and viability.
abstract: Targeted delivery of materials to individual cells remains a challenge in nanoscience and nanomedicine. Near infrared (NIR) laser injection may be a promising alternative to manual injection (where the micropipet diameter limits targeting to small cells) or other laser techniques (such as picosecond green and UV lasers, which can be damaging to cells). However, the efficiency with which NIR pulses can deliver nanoparticles and any adverse effects on living cells needs thorough testing. Toward this end, we have determined the efficacy and toxicity of delivering quantum dots (QDs) into cells of Xenopus laevis embryos by NIR laser injection. Because this model system provides not only living cells but also a developing organism, we were able to assess relatively long-term effects of NIR pulses on embryonic development (through the tadpole stage). We developed parameters for NIR pulses that did not affect embryonic viability or morphology and delivered QDs as effectively as manual injection. Higher intensities of NIR pulses caused permanent damage to the targeted cells, and thus NIR pulses may also prove useful for ablation of specific cells within tissues.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
authors.forename: Jose
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Umanzor-Alvarez
authors.forename: Emily C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Wade
authors.forename: Aliya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gifford
authors.forename: Kankowan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nontapot
authors.forename: Ariana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cruz-Reese
authors.forename: Tetsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gotoh
authors.forename: Jill C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Sible
authors.forename: Giti A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Khodaparast
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D007834:Lasers; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D045663:Quantum Dots; D019265:Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; D014982:Xenopus laevis